After a troubled start to their 2015 Formula 1 campaign, Lotus is in dire need of more downforce and some much better luck.
Their 2014 season was disastrous, to say the least. Now, after two races have 0 points to show for their efforts, which ended prematurely in Malaysia as Maldonado suffered an early puncture before calling it a day with a brake-by-wire problem, while Grosjean spun after he made contact with a Force India and finished outside the points.
However, thanks to their Mercedes power unit, their pace has looked excellent during qualifying as they had managed secure a top 10 spot before the race in Australia.
Lotus engineering chief Alan Permane told Autosport that help is on the way and that they expect much better results in the upcoming races.
“We’ve got some more stuff coming for China, including a new front wing, and we’ve got a new nose coming for Barcelona. We’ve got constant aero stuff coming and I’m sure we’ll be strong in China,” revealed Permane.
We don’t doubt it, especially since we kind of called it with them being competitive this year. All they need is a bit more luck, because the pace should be there and their drivers are talented and experienced.
During last year’s Chinese Grand Prix, Grosjean put his Lotus-Renault 8th on the grid during Qualifying, while Pastor Maldonado failed to set a lap time and started last. He did however manage to finish the race 13th, while Grosjean had to pull over after 28 laps with a gearbox failure.
It’s safe to say the team is expecting better luck in Shanghai this year.
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